IRVING, Texas – The American Athletic Conference has announced the winners of the league’s weekly softball honors, for the week ending Sunday, April 24.
Player of the Week
Addison Barnard * So. * OF * Wichita State
Barnard was unleashed during a 4-0 Wichita State week in which she batted .667, slugged a phenomenal 2.250, belted six home runs, drove in 15 runs and scored 10 times for the Shockers. Barnard crushed two home runs and plated five runs for Wichita State in a midweek victory against Kansas on April 20. Barnard then added two hits in each game of a weekend set against Memphis, five of which went for extra bases (four home runs), to help secure the sweep of the Tigers. Barnard erupted for two homers, four RBI and four runs scored in just four innings in the series finale on April 24. Barnard was the NCAA Division I leader in both home runs (26) and RBI (67) as of April 25.
Pitcher of the Week
Erin McDonald * Sr. * RHP * Wichita State
McDonald shined during Wichita State’s undefeated week, posting a 2-0 record and 0.62 ERA over three appearances (two starts). McDonald yielded just two hits, walked four and struck out 15 batters over 11.1 cumulative innings. McDonald tossed a two-hitter with seven strikeouts to claim the victory against Kansas on April 20. McDonald closed the Memphis series with her first career no-hitter, walking two and striking out six Tigers in the five-inning win.
Weekly Honor Roll
Gianna Mancha * Sr. * RHP * UCF
Went 1-0 with a 1.40 ERA in two starts for UCF in a series win at Houston; spun eight innings and allowed three hits with three walks and six strikeouts against the Cougars in game one (April 22)
Justene Molina * Sr. * IF * UCF
Batted .714 with two home runs and five runs scored for UCF at Houston; hit 2-for-3 with a run scored in game one (April 22) and hit two home runs and scored three runs in the series finale (April 24)
Aspen Howie * R-Sr. * OF * Houston
Hit .429 with a home run, three RBI and five runs over four games for Houston; finished 2-for-3 with two RBI against No. 16 Texas (April 20) and scored three runs in a victory against No. 20 UCF (April 24)
Georgina Corrick * Sr. * RHP * South Florida
Logged a 1-1 record with a 0.54 ERA in two starts for South Florida; allowed one hit and an unearned run in six strong innings with seven strikeouts at No. 8 Florida (April 20) and punched out nine Tulsa batters to take the win in game one (April 22)
Samantha Pochop * Sr. * RHP * Tulsa
Recorded a 1-1 record with a 1.75 ERA in three appearances (two starts); closed the weekend with five shutout innings against South Florida (April 23)